John Hamer
| John Hamer | |
|---|---|
| |
| Pastor and theologian at the Centre Place, Toronto | |
| Institutions | Community of Christ, The Centre Place (Toronto) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Born | 1970 |
| Influences | Joseph Smith, Wallace B. Smith, Richard P. Howard |
| Fields | Progressive theology, Restoration studies, Church leadership, LGBTQ+ inclusion |
| Notable ideas | Progressive Restorationism, Inclusive theology, Public scholarship on Latter Day Saint history |
| Wikidata | Q36489041 |
On a recent Sunday, a diverse congregation gathers both in-person and online for the “Beyond the Walls” worship service streaming from a small chapel in downtown Toronto. At the pulpit stands John Hamer – a historian-turned-pastor – delivering a sermon that seamlessly blends biblical scholarship with inclusive spirituality. Hamer serves as pastor of Toronto Centre Place, a Community of Christ congregation, and he is at the forefront of a progressive transformation within a religious tradition rooted in Joseph Smith’s 19th-century Restoration movement. Under Hamer’s guidance, Centre Place has become known for its open theology, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and historically informed faith – an approach that is resonating with many contemporary spiritual seekers while also stirring debate in Restorationist circles.
From Mormon Roots to Community of Christ Pastor
John Hamer’s journey helps explain his unique perspective. A seventh-generation Latter-Day Saint born in 1970, Hamer was raised in the LDS (Mormon) Church but left organized religion as a young adult. A trained historian and mapmaker, he eventually found his way back to faith through history itself—becoming fascinated by the many branches of the Latter Day Saint movement (from Utah “Brighamites” to Midwestern “Josephites” and beyond). In 2010, Hamer joined the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which reorganized in 1860 following Joseph Smith’s death in 1844). He now serves as a Seventy (missionary minister) and is pastor of the Toronto congregation, headquartered at Centre Place. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Hamer led the launch of the Beyond the Walls online ministry, which “emerged as the leading online ministry” in Community of Christ. This global outreach—streaming services and classes to participants around the world—exemplifies how Hamer is helping his church adapt and expand beyond physical walls.
Progressive Theology and Inclusive Ministry
At the heart of John Hamer’s leadership is a commitment to progressive theology and radical inclusion. He openly distances himself from dogmatic or literalist interpretations of scripture and doctrine. “I personally reject the modern focuses on literalism and historicity in scripture,” Hamer says, as well as the notion of God as a physical man or other supernaturalist claims. Instead, his sermons and lectures present a faith aligned with modern scholarship and metaphorical understanding – emphasizing core values over rigid dogma. Toronto Centre Place describes itself as a “non-dogmatic church open to interfaith and skeptical perspectives,” welcoming questions and doubts as part of the journey. Hamer’s theological approach often feels closer to mainline Protestant or even Unitarian thought than to traditional Mormonism, focusing on Christ’s message of love and ethical living rather than enforcing creeds.
This theology translates into an explicitly LGBTQ+-affirming ministry. Hamer himself is gay and married to his husband, Mike, making him a visible example of the inclusivity he preaches. Community of Christ in North America has embraced same-sex marriage and ordination since 2013, a move Hamer heralded as consistent with the church’s trajectory “to focus on building Christ-centered communities”. “Jesus preached the gospel of inclusion and of love,” he explained, criticizing how religious institutions have too often fixated on “senseless rules” to exclude others. Under Hamer’s guidance, Centre Place flies a rainbow flag and openly affirms all gender identities and sexual orientations. On any given Sunday, one might find same-sex couples sharing pews with straight families, and sermons that acknowledge Pride as readily as they do Pentecost. This inclusive atmosphere has attracted numerous people alienated by more conservative churches. For example, former LDS members seeking an affirming community have found refuge in congregations like Hamer’s. One such seeker said joining Community of Christ “helped him reclaim his Mormon heritage on his own terms” while being part of a church that fully affirms LGBTQ individuals.
Reinterpreting Restoration History
Hamer’s background as a historian deeply informs his religious ideas. In his view, embracing truth requires confronting history honestly – even when it challenges cherished myths. He often reminds members that their church, the Community of Christ, is not the “one and only true church” in exclusive terms. In fact, Community of Christ formally abandoned that claim decades ago, coming to understand that making such a claim is a sure sign “that you aren’t it (because there isn’t just one)”. Hamer emphasizes that the Restoration founded by Joseph Smith was a sincere effort to reclaim early Christianity, but “you can never go home again” to the exact past. “The 1830 organization was something new,” he notes, and likewise the Reorganized Church in 1860 – while retaining continuity with early Latter Day Saint beliefs – was essentially a new foundation in historical terms.
This frank interpretation of Restorationist history differentiates Hamer’s congregation from LDS orthodoxy. Rather than seeing the Book of Mormon and other scripture as infallible blueprints, Hamer approaches them as meaningful sacred stories that arose in particular contexts. For instance, Centre Place classes have examined biblical texts through historical-critical lenses and even explored non-canonical gospels. Hamer’s lectures (over 100 of which are available on Centre Place’s YouTube channel) delve into topics like Gnostic gospels, the quest for the historical Jesus, and the evolution of early Christian doctrines. In Hamer’s teaching, faith is enriched by knowledge: understanding how scripture was formed and how the church’s journey unfolded over time can deepen one’s spiritual life rather than diminish it. This approach resonates with members who have an academic bent or who struggled with literalist faith. As one Catholic theologian observed after watching Hamer’s presentations, his talks are “mostly in line with mainstream modern scholarship” and serve as accessible “broad introductions” that make complex religious history understandable for laypeople. By reframing Restoration scripture as inspired fiction or metaphor in some cases, Hamer invites believers to seek underlying truths (such as compassion, justice, community) without insisting on supernatural claims that conflict with science or history.
The Centre Place Under Hamer’s Guidance
Founded in 1891, the Toronto congregation of Community of Christ has a long history, but John Hamer’s tenure marks a dynamic new chapter for this community. Before his arrival, the congregation was small and aging, like many mainline churches. Hamer brought energetic vision and a willingness to experiment. He helped establish “Latter-day Seeker” ministries aimed at welcoming disillusioned or transitioning Mormons, and launched “Beyond the Walls,” an online gathering that grew rapidly during the pandemic. Each week, Hamer and his team coordinate live participation from members and guest speakers across the globe. Services are bilingual or even multi-lingual at times, reflecting the international reach of this ministry. The congregation’s physical space, Centre Place, doubles as a community center – hosting interfaith dialogues, meditation sessions in the Zen tradition (which Hamer himself often leads), and lectures on philosophy and scripture. In Hamer’s words, Centre Place’s mission is to “invite everyone into sacred community” and to “continually learn and grow” together in service of others.
Under Hamer’s guidance, Centre Place has also embraced social justice and outreach in tangible ways. He serves as president of a affiliated charity, the Sionito Social Housing group, which focuses on providing affordable housing. The congregation actively supports causes like poverty alleviation and peace-building, in line with the church’s enduring “Mission Initiatives” of abolishing poverty and promoting peace. This holistic focus – spiritual growth paired with social action – appeals to younger generations of churchgoers who crave a faith that makes a difference in the world. Hamer often invokes the teachings of Jesus not just in personal moral terms but in their social implications, echoing what one new member called “the guy who pushed back against empires and religious leaders who oppressed people”. In doing so, he casts the Centre Place as both a haven for those hurt by rigid religion and a platform for compassionate engagement with the wider community.
Supporters, Seekers, and a Growing Audience
John Hamer’s innovative blend of progressive theology, historical insight, and inclusive practice has won him many admirers. His weekly online lectures and Q&A sessions attract thousands of views and have cultivated a following beyond Toronto. Viewers describe Hamer as “personable, knowledgeable, [and] entertaining,” able to make complex topics engaging for ordinary people. One self-described atheist praised Hamer for his gracious and approachable style, even donating to Centre Place’s lecture fund in appreciation of the knowledge shared freely. Scholars, too, have taken note. A Catholic academic who examined Hamer’s theology classes observed that Hamer stays true to mainstream scholarship while presenting it in an accessible way – a “good popularizing” effort that fills an educational gap for curious believers. Such feedback aligns with Hamer’s mission of creating a “safe space to ask hard questions” about faith. Unlike many churches where doubt is taboo, Centre Place under Hamer encourages open dialogue. As one participant put it, “I would suggest to every Christian to listen to his lectures to learn more about their own faith and its history.”
Perhaps the most impactful endorsements come from those who credit Hamer and Centre Place with helping them find a spiritual home again. In the wake of the LDS Church’s policies excluding LGBTQ members, some Latter-day Saints felt spiritually homeless – until they discovered Community of Christ through Hamer’s outreach. One former Mormon heard Hamer on a podcast and took comfort in his description of a church where many are “non-literal” believers – people of faith who don’t insist every word of scripture is literally true. That listener soon joined Community of Christ, relieved to belong to a community that honors his Mormon heritage but “affirms LGBTQ individuals” and women as full participants. Likewise, others have flocked to progressive RLDS congregations; in one Utah congregation, attendance boomed from 10 to over 100 after 2015, with a majority being LGBTQ members or their family/allies. These seekers often express gratitude for Hamer’s role in illuminating a path forward – a way to hold onto faith and community without the prejudices or absolutism they left behind. Hamer’s Center Place has thus become something of a haven for spiritual refugees, demonstrating how a small branch of the Restoration can offer healing and hope to those alienated by more dogmatic traditions.
Challenges and Criticisms
Not everyone, however, celebrates the path that John Hamer and the Centre Place are forging. Within the Latter Day Saint movement, Hamer’s progressive stance is seen by some as radical. One observer quipped that Community of Christ’s Toronto congregation represents “the extreme left of the Latter Day [Saint] movement,” which in practice gives Hamer the freedom to be “pretty academic” and open in his approach. To traditional LDS members, doctrines like rejecting a physical God or viewing scripture non-literally might appear as heresy or “apostasy.” And indeed, Community of Christ’s liberalizing steps have prompted backlash in the past. When the RLDS Church approved women’s ordination in 1984, roughly half of its members left in protest, splitting off into more conservative breakaway groups. Those schisms instilled a lasting caution in church leadership about pushing change too quickly. More recently, the acceptance of LGBTQ marriage and clergy in the U.S. church (decided in 2013) stirred disagreement in some international quarters of Community of Christ, where cultural views vary. Hamer himself has candidly critiqued his church’s hesitancy at times. He notes that even after policy changes, it took years for LGBTQ inclusion to be implemented globally – and to date no openly gay members have been appointed to the top leadership councils. Such slow progress, Hamer warns, risks alienating younger generations. Unless the church continues to live up to its inclusive ideals, he cautions, “the church in North America is on the verge of demographic collapse” from lack of new, younger membership.
Some critics thus argue that Hamer’s brand of faith, while noble, might be too far ahead of the curve. They question whether a denomination can retain a distinct identity from Mormonism if it becomes “just another liberal church.” Even Hamer’s supporters acknowledge that Community of Christ today is “closer to our ecumenical friends, like the Disciples of Christ and the Methodists” than to its LDS cousins. In shedding or reinterpreting so many uniquely Mormon doctrines – from exclusive authority to literal scripture – is something precious lost? Leaders like Hamer would respond that what’s gained (authenticity, compassion, intellectual honesty) far outweighs what’s left behind. But for those who cherish traditional beliefs and miraculous claims, the Centre Place model can seem unmoored. Hamer walks a fine line: trying to honor the Restoration heritage (the shared history with Mormonism) while also reforming it in light of contemporary values. It’s a path that invites both admiration and anxiety. As one church member observed, acts of progress in Community of Christ often require “profound courage” – and not everyone will take those leaps at the same time.
Resonating with Contemporary Seekers
Despite the challenges, John Hamer’s leadership at Centre Place reveals a compelling insight: a religious tradition can evolve and find new life by speaking to the present age. In an era when many established churches struggle to retain young adults, Hamer’s congregation attracts attendees across generations – from college students tuning in to online classes, to older lifelong RLDS members rejuvenated by fresh perspectives. By emphasizing community, equality, and open inquiry, Hamer taps into the yearnings of a growing segment of spiritual seekers: people who crave meaning and connection, but who reject intolerance and rigid dogma. These seekers often straddle worlds – feeling loyalty to the faith of their upbringing yet unable to abide its exclusions. For them, Hamer’s message that “you are worthy just the way you are” comes as a healing balm. It assures them that a church can honor their questions, their identity, and their desire for social justice while still bearing witness to Jesus Christ.
Under Hamer’s guidance, Toronto Centre Place has become a microcosm of what a progressive Restorationist community can be. Its evolution – from a once-insular RLDS branch into a vibrant, inclusive hub of ministry – speaks to broader trends in Christianity. Many denominations today are wrestling with questions of how to be more inclusive and relevant. Hamer’s approach offers one model: balancing respect for tradition with willingness to reinterpret it, prioritizing the spirit of the gospel over the letter of outdated rules. Supporters hail this model as “an example of the vibrancy of the Restoration movement” in the 21st century, proving that Joseph Smith’s legacy can grow in unexpected directions. Critics, conversely, worry that loosening too many foundations could lead to decline or dilution of identity. The ultimate impact of John Hamer’s ideas on Community of Christ is still unfolding. Yet there is no doubt that his voice has already made waves far beyond Toronto – stirring heartfelt discussion about what it means to be faithful, to seek truth, and to build a church where truly everyone is welcome.
In the end, John Hamer emerges in this narrative as a bridge-builder: bridging Mormonism and mainstream Christianity, historical insight and spiritual experience, church teachings and personal conscience. His story is one of a religious leader reimagining a faith tradition from the inside out. Whether embraced as a prophetic guide or viewed with caution, Hamer’s progressive theology and inclusive vision are undeniably shaping the Centre Place – and perhaps pointing the way toward a more open and understanding future for the broader Christian community.
Sources:
- Community of Christ Toronto Congregation – Centre Place (official site)
- John C. Hamer – Wikipedia (background and quotations)
- Reddit AMA with John Hamer (personal theological statements)
- Affirmation (LGBTQ+ Mormons organization) – “Community of Christ to Start Marrying, Blessing Same-Sex Couples”
- Utah State University News Service – “Alienated by their church’s treatment of LGBTQ members, these believers found belonging in a different Mormon sect” (stories of LDS transitioning to CoC)
- Salt Lake Tribune – Interview with Prophet-President Stassi Cramm (Community of Christ)
- Gileriodekel.com – “Summary and Review of John Hamer’s JWHA Lecture” (Hamer’s critique on church progress)
- Reddit r/AcademicBiblical – Discussion on Centre Place lectures (community perspectives)